BOSTON– Alex Bregman hit a three-run home run to cap a five-run fifth inning, Yordan Alvarez followed with his third home run in two games and the Houston Astros beat the Boston Red Sox 10-2 on Sunday to complete a three-run home run. games.
It was the fifth consecutive victory for the AL West-leading Astros, who also won a three-game series at Fenway Park last season. Houston has won seven of its last eight series in Boston.
Jeremy Peña added a two-run home run and Yainer Diaz hit a two-run double for the Astros, who improved to a season-high seven games above .500 (62-55).
Boston starter James Paxton limped off the field after straining his right calf while making a quick move to cover first on a grounder in the first inning.
The Red Sox have lost four straight games and have given up a major league-worst 47 home runs since the All-Star break. Boston went an MLB-best 16-3 in Sunday games.
Boston first baseman Dominic Smith pitched a scoreless ninth, with his first pitch recorded at 32 mph. He took off his cap and left after receiving a loud ovation.
Hunter Brown (10-7) struck out nine in 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs.
With Houston up 1-0, Bregman hit a shot past Brennan Bernardino from about 441 feet that left Fenway completely over the Green Monster. Alvarez then sent his attack into the center stand.
Alvarez went 2-for-2, increasing his average to .482 in 15 career games at Fenway with eight home runs and 20 RBIs.
After hitting two home runs the day before, the 27-year-old slugger was compared by Red Sox manager Alex Cora to Hall of Famer and former Red Sox star David Ortiz, along with Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. .
“For me, he’s right there with Judge, to be honest with you,” Cora said. “The closest thing to David, probably, in the game. Very, very, very like David Ortiz.”
Peña’s charge also freed up the Monster’s seats, coming in a four-race sixth that made it 10-0.
Reliever Lucas Sims (1-6) was the loser after Bernardino’s wild pitch allowed a runner he let in to score
TRAINER’S ROOM
Astros: Manager Joe Espada said “everything has been positive” about ace RHP Justin Verlander after he began rehab at Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday night. They were waiting to hear from Verlander, but the plan is to begin another rehab before thinking about returning to the majors. … Bregman slid against a wall chasing a nasty pop, but stayed inside.
Red Sox: 3B Rafael Devers had the day off. “He’s working on it,” Cora said. “It makes sense and I hope (Monday) he comes back.” … SS Trevor Story is still expected to carry BP on the field Monday as he returns from shoulder surgery quicker than originally expected.
NEXT
Astros: LHP Framber Valdez (11-5, 3.46 ERA) is expected to start the opener of a three-game series on Monday on the road against Tampa Bay.
Red Sox: Cora said RHP Brayan Bello (10-5, 5.16) would come off the paternity list and start Monday when Boston plays the first of three against Texas. RHP Tyler Mahle (0-1, 1.80) is scheduled to start for the Rangers.
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